Sometimes I wonder how many people I have met in this lifetime. Since I am no celebrity, I realize it is not a tremendous number. Yet when I consider all the folks I met growing up in Virginia, plus others I met during college years, ministry years, multiple residences, places of worship, tours, jobs and opportunities, I cannot imagine how many precious lives have crossed my path.
Obviously, countless people have influenced my life. Some were quiet. Some were not. Some were young. Some were young at heart. Some were at peace. Some had no peace. Some were kind. Some craved kindness. Some were trustworthy. Some built patience. Some were incredibly authentic. Some required great caution.
A lady once told me, "Honey, what you see is what you get." I repeatedly told her over the years how much I appreciated her honesty. I added that I would much rather have someone be respectfully direct with me...than to smile in my face while stabbing me in the back. Unfortunately, the smiling/stabbing strategy has brought incredible pain and destruction into many lives...including mine.
Things are not always what they seem. People do not always live consistently. In fact, only One perfect life walked this earth. Sadly, it is necessary to guard our hearts, minds and lives.
Yet I am very grateful that I know God is Who He says He is. His love is authentic. He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. Knowing His loving Presence surrounds me no matter where I go, who I meet or what happens around me or within me, gives me every reason to hold onto hope....and Him...always.♥~thl
"There is no one like You, O Lord, and there is no God but You, as we have heard with our own ears." 1 Chronicles 17: 20
No comments:
Post a Comment